I recently finished a paper on chapters 7, 8, and 9 of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, which I was asked to talk about at the World Meeting of Families in Dublin. While many have focused on chapter 8 of this exhortation, I was really struck by the Pope's comments on moral formation, communication technology, and sex education in the previous chapter.

The theme that I have chosen for a retreat I'm hosting in Dublin is “Pope Francis Speaks to Priests.” I have culled a number of motifs from the Pope’s numerous talks, sermons, and lectures to priests, seminarians, and bishops. Allow me, in the course of this brief article to say just a few words about each one.

The theme that I have chosen for a retreat I'm hosting in Dublin is “Pope Francis Speaks to Priests.” I have culled a number of motifs from the Pope’s numerous talks, sermons, and lectures to priests, seminarians, and bishops. Allow me, in the course of this brief article to say just a few words about each one.

When the properly theological and spiritual framework for understanding Church teaching falls away, all we're left with is the political, psychological, or sociological framework, and this keeps us stuck like a fly in a bottle.

@TheAnchoress @BishopBarron @WordOnFire These relentlessly exciting unboxing rituals on social media - are catalysts for the unexpected and profound worldwide 🌎 Biblical enthusiasm ... so desperately needed ... let us pray for the Gospels to be healing balm for so much woundedness 🙏 in so many hearts 💕. +JMJ